Art quilting was just getting started in Berkeley Springs in the early 1980s, and a class taught here by Jinny Beyer in 1981 really gave it a boost.

Beyer was a recent winner of a national quilt competition with Ray of Light. In 1999, that quilt was named one of the top 20 of the 20th century. Frustrated by the lack of available fabrics for quilters at that time, Beyer began designing her own using patterns and dark rich colors that had fascinated her in the fabrics of India and Nepal. In the decades since, Beyer has become a legendary teacher and designer. Her studio and shop in Great Falls, Va., employs nearly 20 women. "Quilters who see the quilt will instantly recognize her textiles," said Bennett of the distinctive fabrics.

"It's the 35th year we've chanced off a locally created quilt," said Beth Curtin, festival organizer. "Rika did her first quilt for the festival in 1983 and has done one every year since 1995."

Rika Bennett has been a member of the Delectable Mountains Quilt Guild since its second meeting in 1981 and attended that first class. The Apple Butter Festival, in Berkeley Springs, is celebrating its 39th anniversary Oct. 6 and 7 when thousands of people fill the tiny mountain town, many of them lining up to take a chance on Bennett's quilt.

The quilt drawing is the final official activity of the festival late Sunday afternoon and always generates lots of interest. "Some lucky person will go home very happy when they win this precious quilt," said Curtin.

The Apple Butter Quilt is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Premier Homes. Until festival weekend, the quilt hangs on display at the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, where chances are available, as well as at the Chamber of Commerce office.